390: Nine Favorite Things.

Happy Memorial Day weekend! It’s funny to think back to this time last year and compare it to now—so much has changed. We’re still working on many of the same things, but there are also so many exciting new ventures underway! And of course, last year’s big project, the Quick and Cozy cookbook, is now out in the world!

Just like last year, I couldn’t be more excited for summer. The family is planning to travel for good chunks of the season—mostly around the U.S., but possibly over to Europe too. We’ll definitely be making our way back to Cleveland. Honestly, I’m pretty excited about that! I always say, there’s nothing like a Cleveland summer—green grass, sunshine, and that relaxed Midwest energy. It’s my favorite.

And with the holiday weekend officially here, it really feels like summer is kicking off. This weekend is always such a fun start to the season, especially if the weather cooperates. We’re crossing our fingers for sunshine! After getting home from Miami, our week started off cold—it snowed all day Monday—but thankfully by the end of the week, the sun came out. When it does shine here this time of year, it’s so pretty—just in time for golden hour too. Truly perfect.

I’m traveling again this week! We’ve got a shoot coming up with a full prep day tomorrow and the shoot day on Tuesday. I’m keeping the location under wraps for now—I want it to be a surprise when we share more about what it’s all about. But if you follow along on social, you might be able to guess! I’m really excited. A little nervous, honestly—but I know it’s going to be something really special.

We’re also finally sharing all new Williams Sonoma summer event dates below, so be sure to check those out! I’m excited to be visiting some new cities. Hopefully someday we can add London and another Canadian stop too—that would be so fun!

Lastly, if you missed it, here are 50+ of the Most Popular Memorial Day Recipes to make your weekend extra delicious.

That’s all for today! This week’s Favorite Things is on the shorter side, but I’ll try to share more next week. Wishing everyone a fun and sunny holiday weekend!

1. Things I’m Loving, Wanting, and Excited to Try.

this is so fun…the Alta app! You guys know how in Clueless Cher uses a computer program to select her outfits? Well, now there’s an app for that, Alta! Alta is your new personal AI stylist! I’m excited to play around with this, even if just for fun!

excited to try…Ice Cream for Bears. When we were in Miami, I had the most fun going to get ice with Oslo after dinner. He’s so cute you guys! Unlike my mom, but very much like my dad, vanilla is his favorite. I’m going to get this ice cream for him to try. He loves coming over to my house for treats! Pretty sure he’s going to enjoy this. The cream is made with grass-fed dairy, humanely raised on regenerative farms, and uses organic egg yolks and raw, unfiltered honey. For vanilla ice cream (queen bean), these are the ingredients: Milk, Cream, Raw Honey, Skim Milk, Egg Yolk, Pure Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Bean. Fully approve!

reading…15 Coastal Grandma Books That Feel Like You’re Living in a Nancy Meyers’ Movie.

everything in my cart (low)…let’s go through the new summer Zara pieces. A pretty Long Lace Skirt, a very cute Embroidered Tie Top, and a gorgeous Woven Shopper Bag, Floral Woven Shopper, plus this Crochet Effect Shoulder Bag too (so adorable for the beach/pool or a picnic!).

I adore these Patent Effect Sandals and High Heeled Buckle Sandals and would wear them with this Asymmetrical Lace Dress.

and lastly, how cute is this Charm Bikini Top and matching Bikini Bottoms? Also, Zara’s swimwear is SO GREAT. I never want to spend too much on a bathing suit since I’m not in them all that often.

this Free People Midi Tube Dress is really cute. I would choose the Ballad Blue color. And the Zoey Linen Shorts from Reformation are the perfect summer find.

listening to…Nicole Trunfio: The Supermodel Behind BUMPSUIT, Empowering Women To LoveTheir Pregnancy Bodies, & How To Feel Confident At Every Stage.

dreaming of going back to…Chateau Saint-Martin. I was fortunate to stay here last year for my trip to Cannes for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. It is a truly special hotel.

loving…a few things for Father’s Day. Some ideas below:

digital picture frame

flannel lined jacket

wanting…Gracie Abrams Gown for the Paul Mescal’s Cannes Premiere. This Gucci dress is so pretty!

my favorite sweater…everyone keeps asking for the link to my Guest In Residence sweater. It’s the perfect lightweight cashmere sweater for summer!

everything in my cart (beauty)…copying everything Jasmine Tookes uses after I discovered her new beauty brand, Brunel. I ordered the renewal body oil and the golden hour glow body oil. These will be so nice for this week’s photoshoot and as we head into summer!

also, The Uniform Tinted mineral sunscreen from Merit. Just need to find the right shade, which is tricky with the change of seasons and more sunshine.

watching…What’s In Hailey Bieber’s Bag? Nietzsche Books, Erewhon Smoothies, and Magical Love Potions.

burning…okay, first of all, update on all those Boy Smells candles. Honestly, each one is perfect. They’re so good. So good that I packed the passion pit one to burn while traveling this week. I’m not sure I can say I favor one over the other. LAVENDARE,  VIOLET ENDS, PASSION PIT, all smell just wonderful. Perfect spring/summer scents. As of today, I have burned RED HOT and MINTY. Both are perfect and also great for spring/summer. I liked red hot more. Shockingly, SO VANILLA is my least favorite, but only because I’m not looking for a vanilla scent right now, I’m loving the florals and citrus!

onto what I have ordered, because again, I have a problem. Just today, I ordered the Trudon Altair Candle (Peony/Raspberry, which sounds so nice) and the Tuileries Candle (Pink Berry/Blackcurrant/Mandarin/White Flowers, Raspberry/Rose, which I think sounds super interesting). So updates to come on those! These two candles are at a high price point, but I’m too curious not to try!

everything in my cart (high)…you can never go wrong with a little black dress, the Bonded Poplin A-Line Dress from Marni is great and on sale!

travel…A Guide to Barcelona: Hidden Gems, Cool Neighborhoods, and Stylish Spots.

going to try…the Nutrafol Hair Serum. I always forget about taking care of my hair!

loving…the best braided hairstyles. I love this easy look for summer. You can never not look cute with a braid!

2. A Few of My Favorite Fruity Recipes.

Frosted Watermelon Rosemary Frosé

Peach Thyme Smash

Watermelon Peach Salad

Marinated Goat Cheese Strawberry Crostini

Tomato, Peach, and Burrata Salad

Easy Blueberry Cherry Galette

No Churn Creamy Strawberry Ice Cream

3. Favorite Memorial Day Sales.

clothing

home/kitchen

beauty 

travel 

4. Join Me This Summer – our summer tour!

I’m so excited to share that we’ve planned more live events with Williams-Sonoma starting this June!
The first event will be in Short Hills, NJ—and I couldn’t be more thrilled!

After the event with Benny in April, it became so clear how much you all enjoyed cooking together in person. So this summer, we’re bringing that experience back! I’ll be heading to a handful of cities to cook with you, answer questions, sign books, and just have fun together.

You can grab your tickets here! All the dates are listed below!

5. A few questions for you!

Something you’re looking forward to?

The podcasts you listen to most?

What’s on your summer menus?

What was the highlight of your week?

6. Inspiring Me.

summer travel

summer gardens

country vibes

my dream garden 

and roses too

a pretty kitchen

summery shadows

I often repeat this to myself

7. Favorite Links I’m Loving.

The Best Memorial Day Sales to Shop This Weekend

Our Cheat Sheet for the Best Memorial Day Sales, Including 75% Off Rugs USA

The Best High Protein Foods at Trader Joe’s, According to a Registered Dietitian

I Used to Stress Over Every Meal on Vacation—Here’s What Changed

6 Summer Party Ideas—From Solstice Suppers to Al Fresco Movie Nights

Skims Cofounder Emma Grede Thinks Work-Life Balance Is “Your Problem”

The 6-6-6 Walking Challenge Helps You Get Your Steps In

The Importance of Open Calendar Space

20 Low-Spend Summer Activities That Won’t Drain Your Budget

Where Gen Zers Are Buying Homes in 2025

15 Internet-Famous Bodysuits – these 8 Made My Cut

I Tried Grounding Outside for a Week and Here’s What Happened

8. Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale.

clothes

 bags/shoes

Abercrombie sale

9. This Week’s Dinners + Weekend Eats.

Monday: Lemon Chicken Katsu Bowls

Tuesday: Jalapeño Pepper Jack Cheeseburger Sliders

Wednesday: Chili Mango Peanut Chicken Salad

Thursday: Baked Chipotle Salmon Sushi Cups

Friday: Sheet Pan Hawaiian Pepperoni Pizza

Saturday: Strawberry Mojito

Sunday: Layered Raspberry Scones